The concept of "renewing a visa" in Colombia is a common source of confusion for many expats. While you can’t technically renew a visa, you can submit a subsequent application. This blog clarifies the process for your second M or V visa, explaining crucial requirements like updated background checks and insurance coverage. It’s an essential guide to navigating the process correctly and avoiding common mistakes. We’ll show you exactly what to expect.

Can I Renew a Visa in Colombia? A Guide for Subsequent Applications

If you are an expat in Colombia and are approaching the often complex “visa renewal process,” you may find yourself filled with questions and uncertainties. In this blog, we aim to provide a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the intricacies of renewing your Colombian visa under your chosen category. Whether you’re seeking to extend your stay for work, study, or family reasons, we’ll outline the essential requirements, documents, and steps involved in ensuring a smooth reapplication process. By the end of this guide, you’ll feel more confident and well-prepared to tackle your visa renewal with ease, allowing you to continue enjoying all that Colombia has to offer.

Can I Renew a Colombian Visa?

First of all, Colombian migratory regulations do not contemplate a “visa renewal” process in the strict sense of the word. What must be done is to submit a new visa application as if it were the first time, even if a previous visa has already been held. This implies complying again with all the requirements, presenting updated documentation, and undergoing the evaluation of the migratory authorities.

The confusion lies in the common interpretation of the term “renew”. While in the USA, Canadá, or England, renewing a visa may imply a simplified process to extend the validity of an existing permit, in Colombia, it is a “subsequent application“. This means that, although the person has already been a visa holder, each process is an independent evaluation and not a simple extension of the previous one.

Therefore, before delving into the requirements and other details, it is essential to understand the distinction we have just mentioned to avoid inconveniences and ensure successful migratory management.

Who Needs to Apply for a “Visa Renewal"?

In Colombia, there are three main types of visas, each giving rise to various categories of visas. However, it’s essential to understand that not all of these visas can be formally reapplied for renewal. This concept doesn’t exist in the traditional sense; rather, we are discussing the opportunity for a common and formal application to obtain the visa again. This limitation is based on the inherent nature of each category, the maximum processing time allotted for different visa types, and several other factors that we will outline below.

Expats with Visitor (V) Visas

A Visitor Visa is granted for short stays, such as tourism, business trips, or temporary academic pursuits, and its duration is explicitly stated on the visa itself. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs intends these visas for temporary purposes, and the expectation is that the visa holder will depart the country before or on the expiration date of their current V Visa. This policy is in place to prevent the continuous extension of short-term stays, which could be seen as a potential intention to settle long-term in the country and attempt to bypass the requirements for longer-term residency visas.

With this clear, we can mention that only two categories of visitor visas meet the condition of being “renewable”: Digital Nomad visa (since their maximum approval is 2 years, and there are cases where the first visa application is for one year, and therefore, one could aspire to another year to complete the maximum stay allowed by the visa), in addition to the Student Visa (this visa would apply to “renewals” in cases of long courses or university studies, where the person needs to extend their stay to continue their academic program, for example: from one school year to another each year.)

Digital Nomad Visa

Colombia's digital nomad visa allows expats to stay while working remotely for foreign companies.

Student Visa

The Colombian student visa allows foreigners to come and study in a recognized educational institution.

The other visitor visas are not considered for “renewal” because they are granted for shorter periods and require a new application each time you wish to enter the country. These include: Film Production Visa, Volunteer or Aid Worker Visa, Administrative or Legal Procedures Visa, Medical Treatment Visa, Temporary Journalist Visa, Religious Worker, Annuity Visa, Market Research Visa, Conference Visa, Airport Transit Visa, and Tourist Visa.

At MedelIin Guru, we have the support and constant legal advice of our trusted partner, expatgroup.co, who mentions that recently, those who have been approved for a digital nomad visa for one year often face issues when applying for a second year, as such applications are increasingly being deemed inadmissible or rejected. This presents a notable risk for anyone considering a “renewal”.

Additionally, obtaining a second digital nomad visa is not straightforward, particularly if the maximum duration has already lapsed or if the initial approval was granted for two years. Recently, approvals have been issued directly for a two-year period, and one requirement for this extension is that applicants must hold international health insurance valid for the same duration. Therefore, we strongly recommend seeking professional advice if you find yourself in this situation, as understanding the risks and requirements for visa renewal is crucial.

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Expats with Colombian Migrant (M) Visas

Type M visas are specifically designed for individuals who wish to establish long-term residency in Colombia. Unlike Type V (Visitor) visas, which are typically short-term and do not allow residency, all M visas are eligible for renewal (a new application) without major inconveniences, provided that the requirements and procedures established by the immigration authorities are followed.

Among the most common and often easiest types of visas to obtain are:

Spouse and Permanent Partner Visa

It is one of the most requested and easiest visas to obtain. For re-application, the de facto marital union or the marriage registration, which has been updated, must be presented again. Besides, proof of income is not mandatory but may be requested.

Retirement Visa

When it comes to reapplying for this visa, there are specific, mandatory documents that must be presented. Foremost among these are the pension letter, which officially verifies your retirement income, and a background check issued by the FBI.

While bank statements are not strictly mandatory for the reapplication process, they are often requested as supporting documentation. These statements can provide additional evidence of financial stability and the consistent receipt of pension funds, further strengthening your application.

A significant update impacting retirement visa holders came with Resolution 547 of 2022. This resolution, which superseded the previous 2021 version, introduced a critical change regarding healthcare coverage for retirees in Colombia. Under this new regulation, pensioners are no longer permitted to be part of the Colombian health system (EPS). Instead, it is now a mandatory requirement to present proof of an international health insurance policy. This ensures that retirees have comprehensive medical coverage during their stay in Colombia, provided through an insurer outside the national system.

Furthermore, Resolution 547 of 2022 also addresses those who obtained their retirement visa under older regulations and were previously contributing to the EPS system. If these individuals do not pay the corresponding amount to their pension (meaning they were basing their EPS contributions on the minimum wage rather than their actual pension income), their reapplication may be deemed inadmissible. This stipulation emphasizes the importance of aligning EPS contributions with actual pension income for those who were previously enrolled, highlighting a stricter adherence to financial compliance for visa renewals.

Business and Real Estate Visa

To request a renewal, it is essential to resubmit all documentation proving the business activity or real estate investment. This includes, but is not limited to, certificates of existence and legal representation of the company, public property deeds if applicable, and updated Chamber of Commerce documents that evidence the economic activity.

In addition to standard documentation, immigration authorities may require the company or investment to reliably demonstrate that it is employing people in Colombia and that all associated legal and labor obligations are being met, such as the payment of salaries, social security, and parafiscal contributions. The ability to generate local employment and contribute to the country’s economic development is a valued factor in the evaluation process for renewal. It is fundamental that all documentation is up-to-date and accurately reflects the current situation of the business or investment.

Spouse Visa

For foreigners married to Colombian citizens who wish to live together in Colombia

Retirement Visa

This is for foreigners who receive a lifetime pension

Real Estate Visa

For foreigners with foreign direct investments or real estate, maintained throughout their stay.

Permanent Partner Visa

For foreigners who have a common-law marriage with a Colombian citizen

Business Owner Visa

For foreigners who own a company or shares in a commercial company.

Renewing a Colombian visa is essentially a reapplication process, requiring all documentation to be resubmitted. With Resolution 547 of 2022, new requirements have been introduced. For instance, retirees now face updated health insurance stipulations, and nomads must provide an FBI background check. Even if your original visa was granted under a previous resolution, you must meet the current requirements for renewal, even for those visa types that involve beneficiaries of the primary holder’s visa.

Beneficiaries: A beneficiary's visa status is contingent on the primary visa holder's visa duration. Their re-application process is separate, and the government is not obligated to grant them a visa; they must independently fulfill all requirements with their own documents. If the primary visa holder's visa is revoked, the beneficiary's visa is also invalidated.

Expats with Resident (R) Visas

For those expats who already hold an R-type visa, the renewal process is not called “renewal” in the traditional sense, but a “visa transfer“. This procedure is an essential process that must be carried out every 5 years. The purpose of this transfer is to update the holder’s information and ensure that the residence status remains valid in accordance with Colombian immigration law. It is crucial that holders of this type of visa are aware of their document’s expiration date to initiate the process with sufficient anticipation, thus avoiding any interruption in their legal status in the country. Compliance with this requirement is fundamental to guarantee the continuity of the rights and benefits associated with the resident visa.

What are the Key Requirements for ”Renew” a Visa in Colombia (Subsequent Application)?

When applying a second time for a visa in Colombia, applicants should be aware that while the standard requirements apply, it is advisable to prepare additional documentation in advance to streamline the process. This includes updated background checks, valid international health insurance, proof of economic capacity, and additional documents specific to visa categories such as retirees, digital nomads, students, and investors. Understanding these detailed requirements can significantly enhance your chances of a smooth application experience, so read on for comprehensive insights into each aspect.

Updated Background Check

When re-applying for visas in Colombia, it’s important to note that providing a background check is essentially mandatory for all applicants, regardless of whether it’s explicitly required in the resolution for specific visa categories. This requirement stems from a significant rise in child sexual exploitation incidents within the country, prompting the government to implement stricter measures around background checks for foreigners.

For digital nomads and adult students, presenting a background certificate is mandatory. In the case of retirees, those who have lived in Colombia consecutively for more than three years on their migrant visa can submit the National Police certificate. However, if their residency does not meet this three-year criterion, they are required to provide a background check from the FBI.

Spouses and permanent partners are not explicitly required to submit a background check, but it’s worth noting that the government retains the right to request this documentation at any time. Similarly, beneficiaries and investors must also include a background certificate with their applications, since migration authorities are not distinguishing visa categories to require it. Overall, securing a background check is a crucial part of the visa application process in Colombia, aimed at enhancing safety and security measures in the country.

FBI Background Check Service

Filling out the FBI form
Fingerprinting (Medellín and Bogotá)
International shipment to USA
FBI criminal record certificate
Authentication of the certificate through a public notary in the USA
Apostille certificate
Official translations into Spanish

Valid International Health Insurance

The policy must be an international travel insurance plan rather than a local insurance from the country of origin. It is essential that the policy includes travel insurance with health coverage, providing comprehensive private insurance for all risks within the national territory in the event of an accident, illness, maternity, disability, hospitalization, death, or repatriation. This is outlined in Resolution 5477, Chapter 1, Article 3.

According to our expert partner, expatgroup.co, though there is no written guarantee, in practice, it has been observed that the visa validity period may depend on the insurance coverage period. For example, nomads have been asked for 2-year policies to grant them 2-year visas. Pensioners who reapply with long-term insurance have been granted visas for 3 consecutive years, saving them the hassle of annual renewal. To make things easier, expatgroup.co also offers a free insurance appointment, helping clients navigate their options and choose the best policy for their needs.

Proof of Economic Capacity:

This is a fundamental requirement and varies according to the type of visa:

For Pensioners: It is mandatory to present the pension letter. Bank statements are not mandatory, but are requested as supporting documents.
For Investment: Certificates, deeds, and Chamber of Commerce documents must be presented. Additionally, they may require the presentation of the foreign investment certificate issued by the Central Bank (Banco de la República).
Digital Nomads: Applicants must provide proof that they are still working, submitting documentation such as a certificate of existence and legal representation of the company they work for, the employment certificate, and the last three payroll stubs. It is very important that bank statements show income from the company. It is recommended to provide as much employment support as possible. They may also request a portfolio of work evidence.
Students: They are asked for mandatory bank statements to demonstrate economic solvency.
Spouses/Permanent Partners: Although not mandatory, they may be asked for proof of income.

Additional Documents

In addition to those mentioned above, other documents may be requested:

Pensioners: Applicants must submit their migratory movements, a requirement not applicable to the initial application.
Students: They must present the updated admission and enrollment certificate for the next academic year.
Students: They must present the updated admission and enrollment certificate for the next academic year.
Investors: May request the foreign investment certificate and the Tradition and Liberty Certificate to demonstrate that the investment remains active and current.

Remember, the process typically requires the same core documents as the initial application, alongside any updated requirements stemming from new resolutions. Individuals should not navigate this complex landscape alone; partnering with expatgroup.co can provide expert guidance through every step. They ensure that all necessary documentation is meticulously prepared and presented to simplify the renewal process and help secure the necessary certificates.

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What are the Risks and Restrictions to Consider Before Re-Applying?

Before initiating any reapplication process, it is essential to understand the potential risks and restrictions that could impact your visa status in Colombia. Being aware of these challenges is crucial for navigating the process successfully and avoiding common pitfalls that can lead to significant setbacks. This section outlines key considerations before reapplying, including the consequences of inadmissibility or denial, the implications of switching visa categories, and common mistakes expatriates make.

What Happens if Your Application is Declared Inadmissible or Denied?

The government can respond to a visa application in four ways: Approved, Inadmissible, Denied, or Withdrawn.

An Inadmissible response indicates that the applicant has not met certain requirements (for example, not fulfilling the economic criteria), but they can reapply immediately. This response is logged in the system, along with internal notes detailing the reason for inadmissibility. If the applicant addresses the issue, they are welcome to submit a new application, which will then be evaluated based on whether it meets the requirements that led to the previous inadmissibility.

In contrast, a Denial prohibits the applicant from reapplying for a visa in any capacity for a period of 6 months. A Withdrawal occurs when the applicant fails to respond to a government request within the designated time frame or if the application process was not reviewed by a government agent. In such cases, the application is completely erased from the system as if it had never been submitted, with no repercussions.

Keep in mind that a first inadmission is manageable, the application can be submitted again. A second inadmission already generates an alert and a greater risk of a new inadmission. A third inadmission considerably increases the risk of obtaining a denial.

Is it Possible to Switch Visa Categories?

It is possible to change the category of a visa, instead of repeating the same one, but great care must be taken with the type of change desired. These could be some of the main changes you can make through visa categories.

Transitioning from one Visitor Visa to another Visitor Visa:

(e.g., from Nomad to Student Visa). This often occurs when travelers are unable to secure a second or third nomad visa, and while the government may accept this change, it carries a significant risk of inadmissibility. This is primarily because visitor visas are not intended for those looking to reside permanently in Colombia; if permanent residency is the goal, the government recommends applying for a migrant visa. Additionally, authorities are discretionary and will likely notice if the intent is solely to “stay” in the country without a genuine purpose, such as enrolling in a reputable educational institution.

Changing from a Visitor Visa to a Migrant Visa

(e.g., Nomad to Pensioner): This type of change presents no issues; it is strategically sound, provided that the necessary requirements are satisfied.

Changing Between Migrant Visas

(e.g., Spouse to Pensioner): Although possible, it is not always the best strategy, especially if the current visa offers a faster path to obtaining residency.

NOTE: The government has the discretion to grant the visa, especially when changing between visitor visas, by evaluating the true purpose of the applicant.

What are Some Common Mistakes When Applying for a “Visa Renewal”?

In the first place, it’s important to start this section by mentioning the most general mistake to avoid is beginning the reapplication process with sufficient advance, ideally 4 months before the current visa expires, so that there is enough time for document collection, which are not immediate, as they may include apostilles, translations, and especially the FBI certificate, which can take significantly longer (the FBI with an apostille can take up to 6 weeks). Likewise, with this time frame, the ideal application deadline is met, where it is recommended to upload documents to the government at least 8 weeks (2 months) before the current visa expiration.

Secondly, this advance timing is especially important for migrant visas (Type M). If there is an interruption between one visa and the next, even for just one day, all the accumulated time for applying for future residence is lost. The absolute minimum time to apply is 30 days prior, but this puts the applicant at risk of losing their accumulated time. And finally, planning 4 months in advance allows a margin of time to react if the government requests additional documents or if the application is inadmissible, thereby avoiding loss of the accumulated time and reducing stress during the process.

Some other common mistakes that can lead to denial or inadmissibility, and the recommendations to avoid them, are:

Digital Nomads

Registering with the Colombian health system (EPS): This is not allowed for nomads and has led to several rejections. The government detects the registration, and the literal response can be: "You registered with the Colombian health system, and your visa does not permit it."
Lack of strong employment support: Make sure to have all necessary employment supports: payroll payments, documents certifying that the company they work for is legally registered in their country, and bank statements showing the company's income. Consider that a portfolio of work evidence can also be requested.

Pensioners

Do not pay the EPS based on the actual pension (for those with an old resolution): Pensioners who still pay EPS from a previous resolution should ensure that they pay their health bill based on the pension amount they reported upon entering the country, not on the Colombian minimum wage. The government is requesting EPS payment receipts to verify this, and incorrect payments may result in the denial of benefits. To correct this, it is sometimes necessary to request a reassessment from the EPS and pay overdue amounts, which can be costly. It is recommended that pensioners under the old resolution switch to an international policy to avoid issues with the EPS.

General Mistakes

Not obtaining the Foreign Identity Card: It is mandatory. If the procedure is not completed (or at least the "password" is not received as proof), the applicant may be rejected and will have to pay fines. The government will request the card or the password.
Having irregular stays in the country: Although fines are paid, the government notices prolonged irregular stays, which can affect future applications.
Expired documents, incomplete policies, or poorly done translations: Ensure that all documents are up to date, that the policy covers all items of the resolution, and that the translations are accurate.
Criminal Records: Although they cannot be avoided, having a criminal record may lead to inadmissibility, even if they were previously accepted.

What are the Costs of Applying to Renew a Visa?

The cost to reapply is similar to making a first-time application, as it is not a “renewal” but a new application to the government. Costs vary annually and are subject to increases, and are divided into two parts that are paid directly to the government and are officially determined by the migratory authorities:

Government Fees for Visas in Colombia

The amount can vary depending on the type of visa, the visa category, and your nationality. Check the exact amount in your visa approval notification or on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Visa Category	Study Fee	Issuance Fee
Colombia Digital Nomad Visa	$55 USD	$178 USD
Colombia Retirement Visa	$55 USD	$271 USD
Colombia Spouse Visa	$55 USD	271 USD
Colombia Permanent Partner Visa	$55 USD	$271 USD
Colombia Student Visa	$12 USD	$51 USD
Colombia Investment Visa (Real Estate)	$55 USD	$271 USD
Colombia Resident Visa	$55 USD	$401 USD
Colombia Business Visa	$55 USD	$271 USD
Colombia Tourist Visa	$55 USD	$82 USD
Colombia Medical Treatment Visa	$55 USD	$178 USD

What are Some Indirect Costs to Consider?

In addition to government fees, there are several additional expenses that the applicant must take into account during the application process. These can include costs for necessary documentation, such as notarization or certified copies of important identification. Additionally, there may be fees associated with background checks or health screenings, depending on the specific requirements of the application. Some of those can be:

Translations and apostilles are required for foreign documents: Apostilles for U.S. documents can be processed in Colombia when applying.
Medical Insurance Policy: The expense associated with the international travel insurance policy.
FBI Certificate: The cost of processing the FBI background check certificate.
Migratory Movements: Cost associated with obtaining this document.
Foreign Investment Legalization Services: For investors, this includes the foreign investment certificate issued by the Central Bank (Banco de la República) and the certificate of tradition and freedom (certificado de tradición y libertad).
Medical Certificate: For retirees who can search for a provider who can help them to issue this certificate.
Passport Renewal: For citizens of the United States.

A simple error in the complex visa application process can lead to serious and irreparable consequences, including inadmission or denial, which results in the loss of accumulated time for residency or the need to pay fines, ultimately generating both time and financial losses. Given the intricate nature of immigration requirements and the strict observance of legal procedures, expert legal assistance becomes indispensable. With a team of professionals specializing in immigration law, you can prevent potential problems and ensure that every step of the process is executed with precision and follows current regulations. Partnering with expatgroup.co guarantees a successful experience, mitigating risks and optimizing the chances of obtaining visa approval.

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Medellin Guru's comprehensive visa and passport series

The Colombian visa changes that went into effect in October 2022 were significant. So, on the Medellin Guru site, we have a comprehensive series of visa articles that are kept up-to-date and should answer most visa questions. These articles include:

We have looked in detail at the nine most popular Colombian visas used by foreigners:

Also, we have looked in detail at three additional Colombian visas, which are less popular for foreigners:

Rentista visa (annuity visa) – for foreigners with a fixed income
Beneficiary visa – for relatives of visa holders
Expertise visa – for professionals

In addition, we have a guide to Colombia tourist visas and how to extend a tourist visa. Also, we have a guide to renewing U.S. passports in Colombia and a guide to obtaining a Colombian passport.

Furthermore, we provide information about travel insurance that meets the insurance requirement for Colombian visas. And we have a guide to how apply for a cedula extranjeria in Colombia and a guide to using notaries in Medellín and Colombia. Finally, Medellin Guru has partnered with a visa agency to offer Colombia visa services.

All of our Colombia visa articles are up to date (2024) and constantly receive updates in 2025.

The Bottom Line: Can I Renew a Visa in Colombia? A Guide for Subsequent Applications

In Colombia, while you can’t technically “renew a visa,” you can apply for a new one through a subsequent application process that requires you to reapply as if it were your first time, which means you’ll need to submit updated documentation and meet current requirements, even if your previous visa was granted under older regulations; visitor (V) visas like Digital Nomad and Student visas may be eligible for this reapplication, while most others are not, although migrant (M) visas are generally eligible for reapplication as long as you meet the necessary requirements. For Resident (R) visas, it’s essential to undergo a “visa transfer” every five years to keep your information updated, and key requirements for any subsequent application often include updated background checks, valid international health insurance, and proof of economic capacity, with specific documentation varying depending on the type of visa.

Understanding the potential risks, such as inadmissibility or denial, along with common pitfalls like late applications or incorrect health system registrations, is crucial for ensuring a smooth process, and you should also be aware that costs are similar to those for a first-time application, covering government fees as well as indirect expenses like translations and specific certificates.